The 2nd Alarm Project is conducting an ongoing needs assessment of first responders. Our findings help inform program components and contribute to the overall knowledge base on first responder behavioral health.
Area universities and first responder organizations developed the survey as part of our response to recent state and nationwide attention on the psychological risks of first responder professions.
The information you anonymously provide will help us to better understand how, our often-stressful job duties, affect our emotional health and wellness, and how we can prevent or better manage these stresses. Although some of the questions are personal and sensitive, you will not be asked your name – no one will ever be able to connect your responses to your identity. The information provides essential feedback regarding the psychological health and needs of first responders and will be used to help inform interventions and strengthen our department’s programs.
You can take the survey fully online via a secure, private, and user-friendly format, taking approximately 15 minutes to complete. You may complete the survey from any compatible device (computer, smart phone, tablet). Responses are completely anonymous, meaning no personal identifiers or tracking information is collected. Consultants, employers, supervisors, other employees, or your family members will at no time have access to any individual responses.
We invite you to participate in the survey by clicking on the link below.
(please do not participate if you have previously submitted a response to this survey)
Some of our preliminary results with firefighters in the Florida Panhandle include the following:
Firefighters also reported significantly higher exposure on the job to traumatic events, such as severe human suffering, sudden violent/accidental deaths, calls related to physical and sexual assaults, and serious injures (measured with the Life Events Checklist). These work-related exposures increased risks of firefighters reporting PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and harmful substance use.
The study also examines Barriers to Care for these behavioral health issues. We found:
For more information, full methodologies, or to have your department participate in our needs assessment, contact us.